Raymond Irving Babbitt

Raymond Irving Babbitt, age 86, of Danby NY, formerly of St. Augustine FL, passed away
peacefully on March 27, 2017 at the Cayuga Ridge Nursing Facility in Ithaca, NY.

Ray was born on April 27, 1930 in Niagara Falls NY to the late Leon Charles and Dorothy McLeod
Babbitt. He was an Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War and was a member
of the Candor American Legion Post 907.

Ray worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Local 545 for over twenty-five years. He
also served as the Town of Danby Highway Superintendent in the early 80's and was the head
of maintenance at the Divi resorts Danby office. After retiring and moving to St. Augustine FL,
he worked as a shuttle bus driver for Flagler Hospital for over ten years. Ray was known for his
intense driving skills on asphalt and dirt track in Upstate New York and Canada; he was also an
avid NASCAR enthusiast.

He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Joan L. Babbitt in 2012 and grandson, Joseph F.
Mendelis II in 2008. He was also predeceased by his sister Jean Lynch Branigan and brothers
Robert and James. Surviving him are his son Michael Babbitt (Becky) of Ithaca, NY, daughters Jo
Ellen Hedlund (Dalva) of Ithaca, NY and Lesley Broat of Pinckney, MI, and brother Bruce Babbitt
of Colorado. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces
and nephews.

Ray's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his special friends Kim and Laura in St.
Augustine, FL.

A celebration of Ray's life and private graveside service will be held at a later date. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.